Wrexham's bet on McClean pays off as Vegas promotion party awaits

Wrexham's players are getting excited about their promotion party in the casinos of Las Vegas.

But manager Phil Parkinson can already count the winnings from betting on the value of experience.

"Just come back alive," were the final words to his squad following the season finale 2-0 win over Lincoln, telling them to enjoy the Sin City trip that has now become an annual part of Wrexham's promotions under co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

But among those listening were players who have looked almost born again under the manager.

Steven Fletcher was ready for retirement before arriving in north Wales and contributing a key nine goals to win a second promotion.

Now 38, he is not being ruled out of a contact extension that could see him become the oldest player to take the field in the modern-day Championship.

At 35, Jay Rodriguez signed in the winter window from Burnley to provide vital impetus to the successful push for the second tier.

And James McClean, the club's 36-year-old captain, took his number of assists to seven when he set up Ryan Longman for the second in the win over Lincoln to further underline his ongoing importance to the side, regardless of age.

"It's easy to say now, but it's true: this is the most enjoyable time of my career," said McClean.

"I've been honoured to play 150-odd Premier League games and 103 international caps but it's about winning things and enjoying winning things being remembered - and that's what I'm doing here, and I'm loving every minute of it."

It looks like it too.

Players who may have been seen by some as turning up for a cameo and a contract have - in contrast - fully bought into the Wrexham project.

As well as the obvious quality of the senior figures at third-tier level, what has been more important for Parkinson has been the mentality.

"Just being around them has been massive for me personally," adds full-back Longman. "That composure, calmness, knowing they've been in these situations before; you feed off them, they make you feel calm and that you can go out and perform."

This is much needed, says Parkinson, who knows it's not only the promotion race his players have had to deal with, but the Hollywood spotlight because of their celebrity owners.

Perhaps it should be no surprise Wrexham ended the season unbeaten in their final 10 games as rivals buckled.

"In the last few weeks players stood tall, shoulders back, saying 'this is what it's all about'," said Parkinson, who now has six career promotions after his back-to-back-to-back efforts with Wrexham.

"That's what you've got to be to play for Wrexham because there's big expectations, a lot of spotlight on us and you have to handle that."

McClean embodies that more than anyone.

"Madness – in a good way."

That is how former Republic of Ireland international McClean describes a club who have looked a perfect fit for him since signing from Wigan Athletic last summer.

Fletcher is the only outfield player older than McClean. But while the former Scotland striker has made all bar two of his 40 appearances from the bench, McClean is behind only 22-year-old Max Cleworth in terms of Wrexham minutes this league campaign.

He is regularly described as the fittest player in the squad and plays with the attitude of a rookie trying to earn a contract rather than a veteran winding down during a final pay day.

"When you have someone who is such a good man-manager, you will go above and beyond to repay that faith," says McClean, in tribute to Parkinson. "He has put a lot of trust in me which is something I treasure and cherish."

Parkinson plays that down and instead puts it down to the players' professionalism. He has previously told the story of McClean being involved in a car accident earlier in the season, only to turn up at the training ground the same morning, boots in hand.

"I didn't want to milk it and we had an important game," says McClean of the incident.

There are often incidents with McClean, a player who has proven divisive over the years and more often than not is booed at pretty much every game by opposition fans. It tends to prompt louder backing from the Wrexham support who have come to idolise a player whose work ethic has set a standard and brought success.

Admitting he has had a "mixed reception" at some of his past clubs, there is a clear connection between McClean and Wrexham fans - with images of the promotion celebration testament to that - which he says has helped spur him to this late career revival.

"As long as you've got the backing of the manager, team-mates and fans, all the rest is outside noise and has no bearing on me," McClean said.

"I've been used to it my whole career. You either embrace it or go under and that's never been me."

This reflects why Parkinson brought such experience and attitude into his squad, knowing it could deal with the cameras and cope with the expectation.

"Long may it continue," says McClean as he now looks forward to a return to the Championship.

"We were told last season we wouldn't get out of this league so who knows, this club loves defying the odds – a bit like myself."

And a bit like their manager whose calculated gamble on the notion you can't buy experience has paid off.